By Mike Lang
Staff reporter
NEWARK – After years of planning and months of disruptions that transformed their spiritual home, members of Holy Family Parish can now enjoy the renovations. Bishop Malooly was on hand June 17 to dedicate and bless the renovations and expansion made to accommodate a growing community.
The work at Holy Family included a new entrance, renovated restrooms, an expanded gathering space and a new sprinkler system throughout the church and social hall.
The project broke ground last fall and was completed this spring.
Bishop Malooly (right) begins the dedication rite for Holy Family Church in Newark’s renovations on June 17, while Father James Nash (center), pastor of the parish, stands by with holy water for the blessing. The $1.1 million project began last fall and includes a new entrance to the church, a larger gathering space and a sprinkler system. (Photo courtesy Holy Family Parish)
The cost of the work was $1.1 million. Of that, $400,000 was raised during Bringing the Vision to Life, a diocesan-wide effort capital campaign from the early 2000s. The parish raised the rest through its own campaign.
According to information on the parish website, the gathering space was expanded to accommodate 250 people and serve as a place to display and distribute literature about church services and activities. New restrooms are larger and handicapped-accessible.
Initially, Holy Family also had planned renovations to the sanctuary and social hall, as well as the addition of a daily chapel and a cry room. Plans were scaled back, however, when the economy slowed.
James Hundt of Schenectady, N.Y., was the architect, and SC&A Construction of Wilmington was the construction manager.
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